Print Header

Physics 

At UW-Eau Claire 

(Printable version)

Are you curious and imaginative? Do you get a personal satisfaction from solving problems? Do you also enjoy math and analyzing the physical world? Want to solve the mysteries of the universe? Then a degree in physics may be for you.

Tell me more

Modern society is influenced by physics in countless ways, including recent development in such fields as laser optics, miniaturized electronics, nanotechnology, nuclear energy and medical instrumentation.

physics image

Research with Faculty

The physics department at UW-Eau Claire is large, and offers a wider variety of possible research areas for students. This unique opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty in physics research spans the discipline; some examples include: atomic or acoustical physics, materials science, near-IR spectroscopy of planetary nebulae, X-ray spectroscopy of hot stars, computational science research, and planetarium science. There are currently students using the Chandra X-ray telescope that is orbiting Earth, others are using the Synchrotron

Radiation Center just south of Madison, some are writing textbooks and some are working with local companies to improve products.

Innovative Facilities 

You’ll have access to the Materials Science Center. No other similar campus in the upper midwest has all of this equipment concentrated in one Center. We can also provide the opportunity for interdisciplinary collaborative projects better than most other universities. In addition you’ll have access to a 24-inch reflecting telescope at Hobbs Observatory; no other similar school has such a large telescope for student research projects.

Solid Preparation

Physics majors are well prepared for graduate studies in the following areas: physics, surface science, astronomy, materials science, medical physics, medicine, teaching, engineering, architecture, law. They are also prepared for careers working at: computer companies, planetariums, government laboratories, the military, industry and the Peace Corps.

Physics student, James



astronomy student

Majors

Physics
  - liberal arts emphasis
  - applied emphasis
  - dual degree emphasis
  - teaching

Comprehensive majors

  - Physical Science:
    teaching
  - Physics/Math: teaching

Minors

Physics
  - liberal arts emphasis
  - applied emphasis
  - dual degree emphasis
  - teaching

Suggested freshman curriculum

- Introduction to College
  Writing
- Precalculus Math or
  Calculus I
- General Chemistry
- Calculus II
- University Physics
- Astronomy-Stars/
  Galaxies
- Social sciences or
  humanities course
More advising information

Our graduates

Our physics graduates participate in life-changing endeavors like developing methods and tools that diagnose and cure disease; managing traffic flow in large cities; predicting geological phenomena like earthquakes; creating new materials; and developing cleaner fuels for automobiles.
More career information

Places you’ll find recent graduates:

- Computer Programmer,
  Celestica, Eau Claire, WI
- Astronomer, SIRTF Science
  Center, California Institute of
  Technology in Pasadena, CA
- Owner, Consulting Firm,
  San Francisco, CA
- Quality Engineer and World
  Wide Stop Ship Coordinator,
  IBM in Rochester, MN
- Physics Teacher,
  Palm Beach County, FL
  & Cadott, WI
- National Research Council
  Research Association, NASA
  Johnson Space Center,
  Houston, TX

Department contact information

physics@uwec.edu
715-836-3148

note wide

Pre-engineering

UW-Eau Claire has a strong pre-engineering program where students usually spend two years at UW-Eau Claire before transferring to an engineering school to complete their degree. We also offer a dual degree program, which allows students to earn two bachelor’s degrees in five years - a physics degree from UW-Eau Claire and an engineering degree from either UW-Madison or the University of Minnesota.
Excellence. Our Measure. Our Motto. Our Goal.